Nagaland Deputy CM Launches 90-Day Drive to Boost Local Products

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton launched the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” on October 6, initiating a 90-day campaign designed to encourage citizens to purchase locally made products and support indigenous industries. The campaign is a significant step in promoting economic self-reliance while fostering a sense of cultural pride and national identity. Speaking at the BJP headquarters in Kohima, Patton linked the campaign to India’s historical Swadeshi movement, which emerged during the struggle for independence as a call for self-reliance and the promotion of locally produced goods. He highlighted that while the original Swadeshi movement focused on economic independence from colonial rule, the modern interpretation encompasses broader aspects, including technological advancement, defence production, semiconductors, promotion of Indian languages, and preservation of traditional crafts.

The Deputy Chief Minister outlined a comprehensive set of initiatives under the campaign to engage citizens actively. These include online quizzes to raise awareness about the importance of supporting local products, essay competitions to encourage reflection and discussion among students, and seminars targeting both students and professionals to educate them about the economic and cultural benefits of Swadeshi practices. Furthermore, Swadeshi fairs will be organized across the state, providing platforms for local artisans, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers to showcase their products, connect with consumers, and gain recognition. Patton emphasized that integrating Swadeshi into daily life is not merely an economic exercise but also a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering community resilience. He urged citizens to make Swadeshi practices a routine part of their lifestyle, encouraging responsible consumption and local economic participation.

The “Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” aligns with broader national initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, and Vocal for Local, which aim to strengthen domestic industries, promote entrepreneurship, and reduce dependence on imports. By creating awareness at the grassroots level, Patton believes the campaign can stimulate economic activity within local communities, empower indigenous businesses, and foster sustainable development. The campaign’s focus on local industries is intended to not only improve economic resilience but also provide employment opportunities and support skill development among the youth and local workforce.

Patton emphasized that Swadeshi is a collective responsibility, stressing the importance of active citizen participation. He encouraged individuals to carry the message of self-reliance and support for local industries to every household and village in Nagaland, ensuring that the campaign’s impact reaches every corner of the state. He highlighted that the pledge to support Swadeshi practices goes beyond personal commitment; it represents a collective effort to strengthen the state’s economy, preserve cultural heritage, and build a self-sustaining society.

The campaign also aims to integrate modern technological and economic strategies with traditional practices. By emphasizing sectors such as technology, defence, semiconductors, and Indian languages alongside traditional crafts, the initiative seeks to balance innovation with heritage, promoting a holistic model of development. Patton pointed out that this approach encourages citizens to see the value in supporting indigenous industries not just as a patriotic act but as a means of fostering long-term economic stability and resilience.

Through these measures, the campaign strives to create a sustainable ecosystem where local industries thrive, employment opportunities increase, and citizens actively contribute to economic self-reliance. Patton’s vision for the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” is to embed Swadeshi practices in the social and economic fabric of Nagaland, ensuring that citizens recognize the importance of their participation in building a strong, self-reliant, and culturally vibrant society.

In conclusion, the campaign serves as a multi-dimensional initiative combining economic, cultural, and educational objectives. By linking modern development strategies with traditional practices, organizing awareness programs, and promoting citizen engagement, the campaign aims to foster local entrepreneurship, strengthen indigenous industries, and instill a collective sense of responsibility among the people of Nagaland. Patton’s initiative represents a proactive effort to build economic resilience, preserve cultural identity, and encourage widespread adoption of Swadeshi practices at every level of society, reinforcing the ideals of self-reliance and national pride.